During the 18th century a great classical revival was underway in Europe. Anything of the
Ancient Greek or Roman periods was highly prized - and very fashionable. This ring, engraved with a Roman Bacchic procession,
would have belonged to European nobility.

A European Gold and Carnelian Finger Ring
18th Century
With a plain hoop and a beveled oval bezel, set with carnelian engraved with a Bacchic
procession composed of an Eros on a bull pulling an enormous phallus toward a giant free-standing
vulva to the left, the phallus atop a four-wheeled cart, a small flying Eros placing a wreath
on the phallus, the cart surrounded by six dancing maenads, four of them blowing trumpets,
an Eros on a goat at the head of the procession, with two Erotes preparing the vulva.
size 8.75
Provenance:
Christie's, Park Avenue, NY
The Haddad Collection, London
Derek J. Content, Ltd.